Ronaldo Will Win Ballon D’Or For His ‘Brand Image’:Neuer

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Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer has hit out at Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo claiming that Ronaldo is likely to win the Ballon D’Or as he has created an image for himself while having a dig at the Portuguese’s campaign for his under-wear.

Manuel Neuer is expected to make a place for himself in the top 3 contenders’ list following his exploits with Bayern Munich and the World Cup winning German team. However speaking about the Ballon D’Or nominations, Neuer has hit out at Cristiano Ronaldo claiming that he is a sportsman and hence prefers to perform on the field rather than walking the red carpet.

“I’m a sportsman, not an ambassador for a brand, beyond being Adidas’ first goalkeeper’.I’m not some guy who poses in his underpants.”

“I don’t like the red carpet. I prefer the green turf. I feel better on the pitch trying to be the best I can be.”

Speaking to Kicker, the Bayern Munich goal-keeper claims that keepers are seldom remembered for their performance in a game with the strikers and goal-scorers stealing the limelight.

“After the games, the main things they show are goals, the chances, the assists. Spectators don’t tend to remember that the keeper stopped difficult balls by taking a big risk or organised the play from the back.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is the favourite to win the Ballon D’Or this year for the second time in row after putting forward a brilliant display in the Real Madrid shirt. The Portuguese suffered a dismal World Cup campaign but has made up for it with Real Madrid. He went on to win the Champions League and the Copa del Rey last season and is head and shoulders above anyone this season. Having scored 18 goals (7 assists) in just 10 La Liga matches, Ronaldo is on his way to winning the Ballon D’Or if he can keep up the work with Real Madrid.

Argentinean Lionel Messi is again expected to make it to the top 3 despite not being at his best for the last one year. Messi was a pale version of himself last season under Tata Martino and was one of the main reasons why Barcelona ended the season on a barren note. He did however lead Argentina to the finals of the World Cup but many doubted his credentials for winning the Player of the Tournament.

With just months left for the Ballon D’Or nominations, it will be interesting to see what surprises are in store for Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and co. Will Manuel Neuer have the last laugh? We’ll find out.